Barbados eliminates mother-to-child HIV transmission as public health problem, WHO confirms

BARBADOS – Barbados has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced, recognizing the country’s progress in expanding maternal healthcare and preventing new HIV infections among children.

The recognition follows an independent assessment confirming that Barbados met WHO’s global targets for eliminating mother-to-child transmission.

Between 2022 and 2024, the country reported no new HIV infections among infants resulting from mother-to-child transmission.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Barbados, highlighting its provision of free healthcare services to pregnant women regardless of nationality, while protecting their rights and privacy.

He noted that 15 countries and territories in the Americas have now received recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission, making the region a leading contributor to global progress.

Barbados joins a group of 26 countries and territories worldwide recognized by WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B, or for being on track to achieve elimination.

Of these, 15 are in the Americas, reflecting sustained regional investment in maternal and child health services.

Maternal healthcare coverage supports elimination

The WHO assessment found consistently high coverage of essential maternal health interventions in Barbados between 2022 and 2024.

Antenatal care reached 98% of pregnant women, while 98% underwent HIV testing.

The country also provided antiretroviral treatment to 98% of pregnant women living with HIV.

These services help identify HIV infections during pregnancy and ensure that women receive treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their children.

Continued access to antenatal care, testing, treatment and follow-up services remains essential to sustaining these gains.

Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and WHO Regional Director for the Americas, said the achievement demonstrated the importance of accessible, quality healthcare for women and children.

He noted that eliminating mother-to-child transmission protects children from HIV while ensuring that women living with the virus receive the treatment and support they need.

He also described the recognition as an important milestone for Barbados, the Caribbean and efforts to end paediatric AIDS.

Barbados Minister of Health and Wellness Lisa Cummins welcomed the recognition, saying it would help children live healthier lives.

She highlighted the importance of providing treatment during pregnancy and strengthening maternal healthcare to improve health outcomes across the population.

Strengthening regional HIV prevention programmes

The achievement follows years of collaboration between the Government of Barbados, PAHO, WHO, and other partners to strengthen HIV prevention services, surveillance systems and the quality of maternal healthcare.

The recognition also highlights the role of integrated healthcare delivery in preventing new paediatric HIV infections.

Sustaining progress will require continued investment in antenatal services, routine HIV screening, antiretroviral medicines, reliable disease surveillance and access to treatment for women throughout pregnancy and after childbirth.

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